2008-09 Vandals - University of Idaho Athletics

aquatic rehabilitation center (ARC)
Idaho Vandal student-athletes now have a new way to train and rehabilitate
injuries with a HydroWorx therapy pool, located on the second floor of the Vandal
Athletic Center.
Head athletic trainer Barrie Steele said as many as four athletes can use the pool at one time, depending on the workout
and if they are relatively the same height.
“Aquatic therapy is one of the most versatile tools that we have, in not only rehabilitation, but in injury prevention and
training,” Steele said. “We’ve been able to train people in a nearly weightless environment, which is one of the most unique
and best ways of doing it.”
The weightless environment helps train injured athletes sooner or athletes who have problems doing certain activities on
dry land because of weight bearing conditions, Steele said.
Two video cameras are installed beneath the surface of the pool. The feed from the cameras appears on two televisions
next to the pool, which helps the athletic trainers monitor the athletes’ workouts. A computer and controller above the television
monitors adjust the pool’s jets, lift, and
treadmill.
The lift is used to vary the depth
of the water, depending on the
athlete and putting them in the most
optimal position, which is at the waist,
shoulders, or at non-weight bearing by
having floats on. The treadmill is used
for running or other exercises and jets
can be turned on to make the water
more resistant, giving the athlete a
more intense workout.
Steele said the athlete reaction has
been positive because they are able to
train pain-free. In the pool, they are
able to run because of the non-weight
bearing environment.
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